Miniature joysticks

As the inventor of the miniature force joystick, MSI designs and builds the most precise and robust multiple axis controls available. For use as stand-alone components for OEM use with our miniature styles also available for integration into our control grips and hand controls, MSI's selection of force and displacement joysticks provide a wide variety of options to meet customer requirements and application needs.

Miniature force joysticks

When precision and fine control are required, the force joystick often provides the ideal functionality. Though a force joystick may barely seem like it's moving to an operator, the applied force is translated to a voltage signal output through the use of our strain gauge technology. MSI has been perfecting the force joystick since its invention and, as a result, produces the most precise and reliable Miniature joysticks available for applications including:

Miniature displacement joysticks

For those applications that require greater operator movement for actuation, MSI offers a line of miniature displacement joysticks. Originally designed and manufactured using traditional potentiometers and gimbals to provide signal output and operator feedback, MSI has since introduced non-contact sensing Hall Effect technology for increased precision and reliability. Leveraging magnetic sensor technology in place of potentiometers provides MSI's joysticks with a smooth feel, a more reliable return to zero, and improved operator accuracy.

Series 5100 - The first micro Hall Effect joystick offering the smallest available package with ideal user feedback for fine motor control. Through innovations to reduce size, weight and power, this little joystick leverages our non-contact sensing design to maintain reliability and performance to military specifications even in this little package.

Displacement Joysticks – Potentiometer

Series 520 - Single axis functionality with spring return to center and molded plastic construction.

Series 521 - MSI's most versatile joystick offering smooth, low friction 2 axis control with options for both pushbutton and z axis functionality.

Series 523 - Single axis control with spring return to center or stay in place functionality. Ideal for throttle applications.

Series 531 - Heavy duty, 2 axis control with all metal, sealed construction. Available with direction or limit switch options and push button functionality.

When precision and fine control are required, the force joystick often provides the ideal functionality. Though a force joystick may barely seem like it's moving to an operator, the applied force is translated to a voltage signal output through the use of our strain gauge technology. MSI has been perfecting the force joystick since its invention and, as a result, produces the most precise and reliable Miniature joysticks available for applications including: precision camera control sensor and FLIR control, tracking and positioning systems, cursor control, including flight worthy. MSI's force joystick offering provides options based on size, output and mounting. Force joystick functionality may be incorporated into any of our grip styles as either a component within the grip or as a function of the grip itself.

Miniature Joystick Models

Series 462 - The standard for miniature force joystick performance in a compact design offering high reliability and performance for Commercial/Industrial applications.

Series 465 - Mid-grade military performance for applications where heat and humidity are not significant concerns. Designed to meet MIL-STD-202 requirements.

Series 467 - Heavy Industrial grade performance with resistance to heat and humidity as well as airborne gasses and solids.

Series 469 - A lighter duty joystick intended For more information controlled environments while still providing performance and durability with sealed construction within a brass casing.

Series 470 - Fully ruggedized and hermetically sealed for the most severe military applications. Designed to meet humidity requirements of MIL-STD810 and sealing requirements of MIL-STD-202.